Search for Lost fishes

Leopard barbel

Scientific name: Luciobarbus subquincunciatus

Range: Tigris-Euphrates river system in Eastern Turkey, Eastern Syria, Iran, Iraq

When last seen: FOUND!

Suspected reason for disappearance: Overfishing, habitat loss, eutrophication, dam construction and water abstraction.

IUCN conservation status: Critically Endangered

Facts: Also known as the Mesopotamian barbel or spot barb. Known amongst local community as the ‘commando’ fish, due to its perceived superiority to other fishes in the region. Prized as a food fish. Was once abundant in certain locations but has declined rapidly over the past 30 years or more.

Size: Grows up to 60cm.

Mesopotamian barbel - Jennifer Clausen